Your browser does not support JavaScript or it is disabled.
This disclaimer is the alternative display of information that is normally
triggered when activating a link to non-Federal Government sites. You are
now leaving the USDA Forest Service website (see disclaimers).

Special Uses
provides services supporting our national policy and federal land laws by authorizing uses on National Forest
System (NFS) land.

Ski Area Water Rights on National Forest System Lands – Notice of proposed directive; request for public comment.

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to amend its internal directives for ski area concessions by adding two clauses to the Special Uses Handbook,
FSH 2709.11, chapter 50, to address water rights necessary for and that primarily support operation of ski areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands.

A Federal Register Notice regarding the proposed directives for ski area water rights is scheduled to be published on Monday June 23, 2014. The excerpts of the proposed text for these directives are posted below.

A link to the press release and Federal Register are also provided below. Both provide background and contact information as well as details on how and by when to submit comments.

A Federal Register Notice regarding the final directives for additional seasonal or year-round recreation activities at ski areas is scheduled to be published on April 17, 2014. The documents are provided below:

ID 2720-2005-2, December 21,
2005 (RTF)This interim directive (ID) supplements existing direction in FSM 2729 to provide guidance to Forest
Service
officers in evaluating applications and issuing easements for certain qualifying water development facilities on National Forest
System
(NFS) lands authorized under the Act of October 27, 1986 (otherwise known as the "Colorado Ditch Bill").